Can I connect an external wifi antenna?

Something that is a possibility is one of the several USB WiFi

adapters I have seen with detachable antennae. Just screw

in the coax from your current antenna, assuming they are standard

SMA connections which most stuff at these frequencies use.

While this link lists a bunch of "antenna-less" options there

are lots with antennae.

https://www.amazon.com/s?k=usb+wireless+adapter&qid=1611769720&ref=sr_pg_1

Most of what I saw are pretty inexpensive and is also something

you could check out with your current PC setup.

Catbert6 Said:

"Can I connect an external wifi antenna? [...]The workshop is adjacent to my house. I have an orbi mesh network that provides good coverage everywhere on my property except inside the workshop. I think the steel cladding on the workshop blocks wifi / phone reception - if step outside the workshop, I have full reception from my home network (eg on iPad or laptop). I step inside and close the door, the wifi drops out[...]."

-------

What to Do:

A. Amplify the Signal with a Range Extender:

Try using a range extender. It will amplify the signal. Place it alongside the door, or close by such as a window, were it will not get in the way when waling about. Being amplified, the signal will likely be seen.

B. Make Optimum Use of Hardware:

To make optimum use of your network's capabilities, use a range extender that is intended for Orbi. An Example:

Orbi Tri-band Mesh WiFi Outdoor Satellite Range Extender, 3Gbps - NETGEAR

Catbert6 wrote:

I don’t have a spare orbi satellite but could temporarily relocate one and check connectivity. I am not sure why it would be better than the Mac mini in connecting to the home network.

You have a mesh system. It is made to connect with the rest of the mesh system. Place the satellite by a window for best results. Having said that, this is what might be a better alternative IF, and only if, the electrical system in your workshop is connected via your house. If your workshop has a separate electrical system then this will probably not work;

https://www.lenovo.com/us/en/accessories-and-monitors/wireless-and-networking/range-extenders/NETGEAR-Orbi-Wall-Plug-Satellite-RBW30-Wi-Fi-range-extender/p/78015068?cid=us:sem%7Cse%7Cmsn%7Cnx_lenovo+all+products_dsa%7C%7Clenovo.com%2Fus%2Fen%2F%7C%7C291341335%7C1269936593693561%7Cdat-2331170809564480:loc-190%7Cdsa%7Cmixed&ef_id=:G:s&s_kwcid=AL!4030!3!!b!!s!!lenovo.com%2Fus%2Fen%2F!291341335!1269936593693561&&msclkid=71784a937bbb1a97e7aa2a8399fff101&gclid=71784a937bbb1a97e7aa2a8399fff101&gclsrc=3p.ds

Catbert6 wrote:

What I was hoping for was something similar to TP-LINK AC1900 High Gain Wireless Dual Band USB Adaptor

https://www.tp-link.com/au/home-networking/high-gain-adapter/archer-t9uh/#overview, which I could connect to the USB port on the Mac Mini and and use the cable length to position the antenna outside of the workshop. I haven't been able to find anything compatible with OS 11 or the M1 chip sets.

Several things to note about this. I am using a TP-Link range extender (RE305) with my M1 (11.1) and it works great, even though it says on the product box that it's not supported. Also, if Asus makes a similar product then they typically work good with Apple products also.

Catbert6 wrote:

I think the steel cladding on the workshop blocks wifi / phone reception - if step outside the workshop, I have full reception from my home network (eg on iPad or laptop). I step inside and close the door, the wifi drops out.

Correct. Kind of like a Faraday cage where the metal is blocking the signal. This is why an antenna will not work.

The PCI wifi card in my PC came with an extension cable.

What type of "extension" cable? Ethernet?

Have you tried to use one of the wall plug orbi satellites inside the workshop?

MyApple8MyPC Said:

"Can I connect an external wifi antenna? [...]whatever worked for your PC, will work with your Mac."

-------

Compatibility Issues:

Not everything is Mac compatible. So, bear that in mind while viewing an item's original packaging.

How far away from your router is this "wifi black hole"?

Also, whatever worked for your PC, will work with your Mac.